Synopsis

Who We Are: Brave New Clan follows the lives of six exceptional young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, showing how they engage with their communities, history and cultures, in modern Australia.

As part of their contemporary lifestyles, these inspiring young Australians showcase music, politics, careers, histories, bush medicine, language and stories. Their unique journeys span Aboriginal cultures across the country from the bustling streets of Sydney to the aquamarine vistas of the Torres Strait.

The young Australians featured are:

James Saunders, rugby player, with a digital PR business, 28 years old, from Brisbane, living in Sydney. He is Gundtijumara on his father’s side and Wiradjuri on his mother’s side. Through his success as a rugby player, James challenges stereotypical perceptions of gay men in Australia. He is passionate about Indigenous representation in the media and runs his own digital PR company.

Miranda Tapsell, actress, 27 years old, from Darwin, living in Sydney. She is a descendent of the Larrakia and Tiwi nations. Miranda has had starring roles in the hit movie, The Sapphires, and the TV drama, Love Child. Through her work in theatre, film and television, she hopes to help bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Harry Sabatino, engineering student, 19 years old, from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait, and currently living in Brisbane. Harry studies at the University of Queensland. He is motivated by the threat rising sea levels pose to his island home. He has plans to start up an engineering business in the Torres Strait that will employ local people.

Joshua Toomey, electrical linesman, 28 years old, from Dubbo, and currently living in Lakehaven, Central Coast NSW. He is a Wiradjuri man from Dubbo, NSW. From an underprivileged background, Josh had no career prospects. But his vision and determination saw Josh become NAIDOC Apprentice of the Year.

Kim Isaacs, doctor, 34 years old, from Broome. He is Yawuru and Karajarri on her mother’s side and Noongar on her father’s side. Kim works in a medical centre in Broome, WA. In addition to qualifying as a western doctor Kim learnt traditional Aboriginal medicine that was passed down from her grandfather. She now draws on both in her practice.

Kaylah Tyson (aka Kaylah Truth), rapper, 26 years old, from Brisbane. She is a Meerooni woman of the Gurang nation. With a background in conscious political rap in groups such as The Poetic Murriz and the Impossible Odds Crew, Kaylah is now a successful solo hip hop artist. Kaylah recognises the power of music to reach people and make connections.

This is the third instalment of the Who We Are series and was developed by Foxtel in partnership with Reconciliation Australia and CAAMA Productions (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association).

Who We Are: Brave New Clan celebrates diversity across Australia and we hope it inspires audiences to find out more about Indigenous place names, people, languages and cultures in their own local area.

— Leah Purcell, director